Empty Boxes

“In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.” Luke 1:5-7 NIV

Barren. Empty arms. Empty cradle. Quiet house. No cries. No laughter. Just two people now in the twilight of life.

Life had been an empty box for Elizabeth. Her barrenness covered her like a tattoo. Why had God withheld from them? From her? Had she learned to live with it by the time Zechariah returned from the Temple with quite the story to tell? As he played a life-changing game of charades that night, did she dare to hope again?

God is not the god of empty boxes. He is the god of fullness and in Him, all our promises are “Yes.” Through the following months, Elizabeth’s box began to fill. Did she grin through the morning sickness? Did she and Zechariah marvel as her belly bulged? Can you picture her baby shower? Boxes and boxes, full of promise and hope.

If you are in a place where your boxes seem empty, be patient. God is a god of full boxes. Nothing is impossible with Him. What is He wrapping in your box?

Questions for the Week:

1)                  What are your empty boxes, things you desired but that did not or have not come to fruition?

2)                  Has God revealed a reason for the present emptiness? What are some possible reasons? Is it harmful? A timing issue? There’s something better in store?

3)                  Do you trust Him enough to leave it in His hands?

4)                  What doubts do you have? Do they line up with Scripture’s picture of God?

5)                  What encourages you to keep trusting when the boxes look empty?

I Cor. 2:9         Rom. 8:28       Jer. 29:11         I Peter 5:10